Former Collingwood player Lachlan Keefe opens up about drug suspension

Former banned Magpies player Lachlan Keefe has spoken openly about his drug suspension following a positive test for the banned performance enhancing substance clenbuterol.

The Collingwood utility player and teammate Josh Thomas were both sidelined for two years as a result of unknowingly taking the substance. Following the incident the club offered both players a chance this year but Keefe has since been delisted while Thomas was offered a new contract.

Speaking to SEN Radio in Melbourne, Keefe lifted the lid on the day drug testers came knocking on his door.

“It is a funny one, I’ve never had a drug test at home,” said the 27-year-old.

“The original drug test was at the club, and then ASADA actually rocked up at my door at home. It was pretty early in the morning, I was half asleep, and answered the door. I thought that’s interesting, I’ve never had one at home, so this is a process.

Lachlan Keefe during his time with the Magpies. (Getty)

“Then they sat down and put the microphone out and then I thought, oh jeez, someone has done something, he must think I know about it. Then he gave me the news, so there was a bit of an early shock. I thought I hadn’t done anything wrong, so they’ve got it wrong. Then it was all a bit of a whirlwind.

“Once I sat down with Neil Balme and Gary Pert, it all sort of started coming together and I thought, that might be it. Then it rolled from there and I distanced myself from the club, went with the Players Association and my manager, and the rest is history.”

The Queenslander spent the entire year in the VFL and admitted it was an uphill climb to make back into the AFL.

“I didn’t think I would come back, because of the two-year barrier,” Keeffe said.

“The Pies had enough faith in my ability, I got the chance, came back and had a crack. It is always hard to come back and not have the touch, the contact and the real intensity of AFL footy for two years. I struggled with that.

“My form wasn’t crash hot, and once they got into a bit of a groove, and they thought you might not be the guy going forward, they’re going to go elsewhere.”